August 29, 2008

So it seems that Sarah Palin will be John McCain's choice for Vice President.

A very conservative friend told me that the Democrats are probably freaking out now. Well, I would expect my conservative friend to say that. It seems they know best what goes on in the hearts and minds of their opponents. After all, every pundit on the Right talked of how the Democratic party was split so much so that Hillary Clinton would do only the least amount to support the Democratic Nominee.

Well, we've seen that theory blown to bits.

As for Palin? Well she is pretty popular in Alaska, she is the governor after all. And she is a rising star in the Republican party. But to say that Palin will attract all the sad Hillary Clinton voters because she is a woman, is about the same as saying Alan Keys coming into the race will pull all the African American voters away from Barrack Obama.

August 27, 2008

One of the things I used to enjoy about watching political conventions when I was a kid (yes, I actually used to stay up late and watch them) was the large state signs and the formality of the roll call.

I used to love watching proud American's, of either party, talk at length about the great things or great people of their state before pledging their delegates.

As I've gotten older, the gavel to gavel coverage of those conventions has been relegated to CSPAN or cable outlets that offer more commentary that is probably necessary. But as I've gotten older, I also realize that what I think of as fun or interesting is not often shared by a whole lot of people.

So it was a surprise to me when the roll call was suspended. But I can't think of a better way for Hillary Clinton to bring the party together, and I can't think of a better way for the Democratic Party to unequivocally let the pundits know that this party is UNITED!

I was, and still am a Clinton supporter. And while I had every intention of voting for Obama, I wasn't as excited about him. But Hillary's speech last night touched on a couple of very interesting points. One was her experience meeting the people of this great land. A service member who was more concerned about his friends in battle than his ailing health, a young boy who worried about his mom who worked for minimum wage who just had her hours cut and, a single mother of two who was fighting cancer.

The other was a couple of simple questions she asked; "Are you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that young boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people who feel invisible?"

Well, of course the answer was as simple as those questions. I was in it for everyone who has lost their voice over the last eight years. I was in it because I love Hillary Clinton, but I love fairness and justice just as much. And I'm in it to win. And I'm in it for Barrack Obama.

If there was any doubt to her dedication to the party, it was wiped away tonight. And if there was any doubt that the party is united, that too was swept away.

Today was a proud day to be a Democrat.

And for the one, or two, of you who enjoy things like this. sit back and revel in the 9+ minutes of history in the making!

For those unfamiliar with Martin, she (along with her partner of 55 years) were one of the first to be wed in San Francisco by Mayor Newsome when gays and lesbians gained the right to be married.

Theirs was a love story 55 years in the making that included a desire to be treated, not as special citizens, but just as ordinary citizens. It was that long battle that brought them to the attention of the Mayor or San Francisco, and the the hearts of countless people across the country.

Said Mayor Newsome, (as quoted by Towleroad.com) "[She was someone who] defined, love, devotion, and constancy. She
defined, from my perspective, what marriage is supposed to be about."

Once, the prevailing thought was that loving couples, of the same sex, couldn't marry. And once, it was the prevailing thought that a person whose skin was black shouldn't be allowed to vote. Today, we morn the loss of Del Martin, and yet we sit on the eve of a historic night, when the nomination by a major party will be accepted by a man of color.

The struggle for justice isn't always an easy one and is often met with anger, hatred and frustration. But that doesn't make it any less important or necessary. Del Martin achieved her dream of marrying the woman she loved. I hope, come November, a person of color will achieve his dream of being elected president.

August 23, 2008

When Andrew Jackson's detractors called him a jackass in his 1828 presidential bid, he took that as a badge of honor. Strong willed and determined, Jackson made a point of adorning his campaign posters with images of a jackass, feeling they both shared those traits.

"Strong willed and determined" could also probably describe Joe Biden, Barrack Obama's choice as his running mate. I know I was all for him back in 1988 precisely for that reason.

I feel as though I need to digest this a bit before going on about it. I knew there was little chance of Clinton getting the nod, but I have to tell you, I can't imagine a better person for president, so maybe that's why she was left off the ticket. I hope she is offered a job on Obama's cabinet when he wins in November. Maybe as Attorney General.

Otherwise I hope this choice goes over well. I know from the scant grassroots political meetings I've attended, those who are supportive of the Illinois Senator are, or have been, very excited that he is an "outsider" and not tied to the Washington establishment. I honestly hope they can support this choice of a very bright man, and a man very much tied to Washington.

I guess time will tell.

Until then, I'll vote the party line. I still think this ticket is better than any other. And I must say, a lifelong democrat, I'm proud to be a jackass!

August 16, 2008

I have a vivid memory of one such summer, it was actually the last weekend before school was to begin. Elementary school though I don't remember which grade.

The whole week my best friend and I had been playing, riding bikes, walking to the store, Crawdad hunting...yes, even in Southern California there were streams that had Crawdads, though I don't remember ever eating them.

But that last week before school became the last weekend of summer. And I vividly remember getting a hold of some black Visqueen type material and stretching it the width of my backyard. My best friend and I made sure to turn the hose on and keep the water running at full blast over the slick plastic type material. We had our own version of a slip and slide.

Of course this was way back before any drought conditions existed, or if they did, we were blissfully unaware of them. I still remember running and sliding, and more often than not ending up on the coarse grass with burns and scrapes on my elbows, knees and other parts of my body. But I also remember telling my buddy that this was it. This was the last days of summer. That the following day would be the first day of school and it would be forever before we would get another three months off.

I miss summer. I miss not having to worry about anything other then it ending. Of school and homework, and who I would have to sit next to for the remainder of the year. I miss getting up early to watch cartoons over a bowl of cereal. I miss running up the street and knocking on my friends door and asking his mom if he could come out and play.

And most of all I miss how wonderful life was. How safe I felt. How easy everything was. How I knew beyond the shadow of any doubt that there was no problem too big for my parents to handle. No problem at all.

August 14, 2008

August 13, 2008

I'm such a sucker for the Olympics. I get very much caught up in the pageantry, the thought that for a few days the world can put it's politics aside and focus on the unique splendor that is human determination and strength. Of course, with Russia and Georgia at each other's throats, and talk of unfair scoring of Americans in some category's it's not all innocent. But I still like to think it is, or can be.

The story of young Lin Miaoke lip synching Ode To The Motherland before a packed stadium, and rapt world audience during the opening ceremonies has cast a "shadow" on what has been described as one of, if not the best, opening ceremonies in recent Olympic history.

The story of how little Yang Peiyi was "not suitable" for the opening games because she had some crooked baby teeth and was then replaced by Miaoke has created an uproar.

The AP has said this "was the latest example of the lengths the image-obsessed China is taking to create a perfect Summer Games." And continued: "The country's quest for perfection apparently includes its children."

Well I'm sorry. I mean, do I think it was wrong of them to use one child's voice and another's face? Of course I do.

While this type of thing may be a first for the Olympics, do I believe that this scenario has never happened before? Of course I don't. Heck, it's theater isn't it? It's spectacle. Do I think it was a dumb move, heck yeah, but an event that shows the world that China's "quest for perfection" is out of hand? C'mon people. Have you taken a look at any of the ads in magazines lately? Commercials on television?

Every country ... I'm not even going to make it political by saying country. Every advertising guru, or marketing maven is going to do what they think will be best for what it is they're trying to sell. And sometimes it backfires. Like this.

But to say this incident is a indication of "image obsessed" China is well ... hello! Again, has any of these people picked up a magazine or even turned on the television lately?

Again, I think it was a dumb thing to do. Not only because it was .... well, dumb. But because now little Yang Peiyi has got to be wondering what it is about her that wasn't suitable.

If she, (Miaoke is already an actress featured in advertising) were an actress, it might be easier to discount. After all, you don't land every audition you go out for. And even if you do, you don't necessarily appear on screen. Just ask Marnie Nixon, the beautiful, but rarely seen voice of Deborah Kerr in The King And I and countless other musicals.

And this is one of the main reasons I really don't like casting kids. Are they adult enough to understand? Is it they, or their parents who want to be stars? Any number of questions arise when working with children. Heck, adult actors are sometimes difficult enough with bruised egos and such. I just hope Peiyi is okay about it all.

And do you know what? She IS cute. Heck every child is beautiful! I really mean that. They are. Crooked teeth or missing teeth are part of the cuteness of childhood. Scrapes and scratches, running noses, it's all part of being a kid and that's cute. And little Yang Peiyi is cute because of her teeth and so much more.

The best thing to do would be to bring both children out at the closing ceremonies. Let them sing a duet. I don't care what it is. But it will make things right with both children, and then, maybe China will realize that perfection comes in different forms.

And then maybe advertisers and marketers the world over will realize that too.

August 09, 2008

I haven't been writing a bunch lately. More due to the amount of work I have, but partly due to life circumstances that take priority. Some amazing people have passed away in this time. People who certainly deserve being discussed, and while I do write about the passing of movie stars or people who've touched me in some ways, I have, lately, left that to others as they seem to be far more eloquent and can say what it is I feel much better.

The same may be true of Bernie Mac, but I still felt the need to write something.

While I had heard of Bernie Mac several years ago, I didn't know anything about him. I don't usually watch stand up comedians. There's nothing wrong with them, and they can certainly be a hoot, but watching them just isn't something that I tend to do.

Then one day I caught the new Bernie Mac Show. And by caught I mean I was flipping through channels, thought I had the TV on the channel I wanted and when the commercial ended there was Mac, and his TV family.

Before having a chance to find the show I was looking for I was laughing. Not just laughing inside, but that laugh that escapes you when you least expect it, and then self consciously look around to be sure no one heard you.

The channel stayed put, and I was surprised by a show that was well written, wonderfully acted and terribly funny.

The premise of the story (loosely based on personal experience from my understanding) is that Mac, a successful comedian/actor decides he and his wife will care of his sisters children while she is away due to drug use.

Bernie Mac conveyed, in his show, an everyman without editorial. That is to say, he said what he felt, what he believed and didn't feel the need to have to explain himself. What he said wouldn't always been politically correct, like when his children got into trouble and made him so angry that he tried to convey to his wife that they needed to be beaten. And not just beaten, but hit on the head so hard that some of the "white meat shows."

Obviously no one was hit, and no one was beaten. But the fact that anyone could say that on television these days, for comedic effect, was just so new to me. It was like a live action version of the Road Runner cartoon, only any harm to Wyle E. Coyote was threatened or implied.

I wondered if Mac was anything like his television character which I so loved, that I tried to catch him on interviews and other projects. And while you can never really know someone from watching them on the screen, big or small, he was always funny, seemingly honest and to the point in his interviews. I decided I liked him just as much as a character on television as I did as a person.

About a year ago I wrote a post about his show. Having been canceled, I was to include it in the "Great Shows You Haven't Seen" section. But while the post was half done, I never seemed to finish it. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was part that I didn't want to really believe the show was gone.

And now I am writing about Bernie Mac. And I can't really believe that he's gone.

Talent comes in a variety of packages. And as a big, seemingly gruff comedian, his comedy belied that package. His comedy was honest, deeply personal and often touching. I imagine much like the man himself.

August 06, 2008

Just over a year ago (a year and two month to be exact) I bought a new car. Well, new to me as they say.

At the time my truck had 280,000 miles on it and was going through it's third transmission. I have a feeling the second transmission was defective (failed after 10 months) and the warranty replacement I felt was defective as well (lasted 4 months), but the transmission company is out of business so not much one can do about that. Besides, 280,000 miles is a lot of miles,even though it still looked pretty darned nice.

Driving on the 405 one day I noticed this very fast all black vehicle pass by me. I was so intrigued that I tried to follow it. While I couldn't get as close as I would have liked, I did get a good idea of the shape, and noticed it was a dodge.

A quick phone call to my friend told me it was a Dodge Charger. I decided then and there it was my dream car.

Sporty, muscley, a head turner, it was all the things I am not. I was transfixed. That was the car I wanted. Though a bit out of my price range, a good friend kept an eye out for any used models.

I had two criteria it had to meet. 1) had to have cup holders. For whatever reason I have never owned a vehicle that had cup holders. And 2) it had to have a GPS system. I do so much traveling that it's always good to know where I'm headed without having to look at the printout from Google Maps.

Before too long a Dodge Charger within my price range turned up. My friend did Internet research, told me the price was good and I had it checked out by triple A. The only problem was it wasn't black. No, this was a Dodge Charger Daytona Edition.

Now�this photo isn't my car, and that isn't me driving, but you get a good idea from this photo what the car looked like.

So while I took my sweet time deciding if I wanted a car that "flashy" instead of a black model, the person selling it decided to change her mind.

After two months of going back and forth she decided to sell after all, and the baby was mine.

While that is a lot of car, she handled amazingly well. Both in terms of steering, in wet weather, around turns. You name it, she just hugged the road.

And while I was initially concerned about gas mileage, it wasn't that much of an issue. Even though it was a Hemi engine it has this amazing 4/8 thing going on. So when the car doesn't need all eight cylinders it goes down to four, saving gas.

Last Sunday a friend was moving my car for me, and a car full of ...get this...traffic cops ran a red light and my car is totaled.

The good thing is no one was seriously hurt. The bad thing is my car is at a tow yard.

And I have to say, it is very sad when you go the the tow yard, ask to remove items from your car and are told to wait in a huge parking lot. Suddenly, in the distance you see what is basically a giant forklift on steroids and in it's metal arms sits what's left of your car.

If I look at it from the rear on the right side, she looks a little dusty, but just as good as new. The front end and other side, however, are a different story.

I'm happy no one was hurt. I truly am. But I'm sad that this car that I wasn't so sure about for so long is gone because I want nothing more than to have her back.

And while�I understand the City will pay off the loan, I'm going to be left with no car and having to do the whole car search thing again.

As I was just finishing up getting my CD's and other things out of my car a man, doing the same a few cars down, came over to me.

"Wow, she was a beauty," he said.

"Yeah."

"Did she handle well?" He asked.

"Oh yeah."

"Where you hurt?"

"Nah, no one was really hurt. I'm just sad about it." I answered.

He looked at the car for a moment, opened the door to look in and commented on how nice it was. I just nodded.

Then, he looked to me before going back to his car and said "Oh well."

"What?" I think I was a little pissed.

"Oh well."

"Oh well?"

"Yeah, look, she's beautiful, you got to have her for a while, and now she's gone."

I still didn't quite get him.

But he went on, "look at all these other cars in this lot. How many of them took someone with them when they got in an accident."

WOW. Is all I could think. The lot where we stood was huge. I mean massive. And there was car, after car, after car. Some with damage like mine, others that were much worse.

I looked at my car and at him. And I realized that as pretty as she was, and fun as she was, she's a car. And while I loved her, I would rather be standing taking things out of her than in a hospital or at a funeral.